WELCOME BACK: Malkia Strikers return after impressive World Cup outing

Malkia striker's Janet Wanja, left receive a flower from National Oil Corporate Affairs Manager Temesi Mukani on arrival from japan at jkia on tuesday,, Sept 8, 2015. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO.

Kenya's national women's volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, made a triumphant return having completed a rare twin win at the recently concluded 2015 FIVB World Cup in Japan.

Despite failing to book a direct ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the team still has a chance to feature in the Brazil showpiece through the upcoming Africa Olympics qualifiers.

However, the team was proud they won two matches, a first for them at the global event, as well as producing four players in top 10 rankings.

Kenya overpowered Algeria (3-0) and Peru (3-2), claimed a set against Cuba to improve their rankings where they finished 10th, with five points in the 12-team round robin tournament that was won by China.
It is a fete that has never been achieved by the nine-time African champions before, as Japan had always proven to be a daunting place for Kenyans.

On a more positive note, instrumental Prisons Kenya left attacker Mercy Moim, beat all odds to finish sixth in the overall top points scorers' chat, thus becoming the first ever African player to finish among the top six.

The former Liiga Ploki (Finland) star had 146 points, 44 more than ninth-placed Braxcides Agala.
Kenya Pipeline middle blocker Ruth Jepng'etich was seventh in the block category, while Elizabeth Wanyama was voted as eighth best libero.

In an interview with FeverPitch, the team's head coach David Lung'aho said they did their best to prove to the world that they are slowly becoming a team to reckon with.

"The team has come of age and we have proven to the world that we are ready to compete with the best. We have left Japan more respected and that's a good preparation for the team ahead of the Olympics qualifiers," said Lung'aho.

"We had outstanding performance and for the first time in history, four of our players were ranked among the best 20 in the world. This is going to give us more motivation as we prepare for the upcoming events."

"We have no regrets for skipping the All Africa Games because soon, most of these players may get international clubs."
Moim couldn't hide her joy for her historic achievement.

"I thank God for making this possible. Volleyball is a team sport, and without the support of my coach and teammates, I wouldn't have achieved this. But I am happy my determination and hard work have been recognised," said Moim.

"Were it not for sickness, which forced her to skip one match, she would have finished number one. Her scoring rate was the highest," added Lung'aho.

In their first appearance way back in 1991, the African Queens finished 12th same as 2007 and 2011. Their best result, before this year's exploits, was in 1995, when they finished 11th.

This comes barely two months after the team lifted their maiden global trophy in their second attempt at the World Grand Prix when they defeated Peru in the final and in the process, qualified for the Group Two matches to be played next year.

It was not all smooth sailing for the Kenyans though, as they also had their low moments in Japan. Poor reception, concentration lapses and minor injuries, at times, came to haunt them.

But Lung'aho says these are problems that faced all teams and his girls have every right to return home with their heads held high.

"Just like any other team, we had our challenges, but it was a good experience for the girls and we have learnt a lot. This is a great team and I can admit that the Grand prix exposure played big role in our two wins. We have never done this before," said Lung'aho.

His sentiments were echoed by team captain Braxcides Agala, who promised more in their future assignments.

"We may not have performed to our fans' expectations, but I am proud with our performance. This is our best ever world cup display,"said Agala. "It is a journey and I now that we will be at the top one day."